illicit liaison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illicit liaison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a secret or illegal romantic relationship, often implying that it is morally questionable. Example: "Their illicit liaison was the talk of the town, hidden from the prying eyes of their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Everyone has an illicit liaison.

The Guardian

As he consummates his first illicit liaison, Owen notes, in classic Updike fashion, the difference between his lover's vaginal textures and his wife's.

The New York Times - Books

The young lieutenant has, inconveniently, fallen in love with Daphne, a friend of Ellen's who is already embroiled in an illicit liaison.

The New York Times - Books

Cathy lamely accounts for this illicit liaison by explaining that what becomes her brother's nightly "plunge, like a swimmer into familiar sea," is only to be expected from two such wounded children.

The New York Times - Books

Jackson, who has produced a series of famous images of celebrities in compromising positions including Sven-Göran Eriksson and Ulrika Jonsson apparently caught in an illicit liaison, won a Bafta in 2003 for her BBC 2 series Double Take.

The Guardian

The children – so light-skinned that they resemble the result of an illicit liaison between Nicole Kidman and Casper The Friendly Ghost – were cool, calm and collected as they paid tribute to their dear old dad who, despite his habits of dangling babies over balconies and having sleepovers with rug-rats, turns out to have been just plain folks at home.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

By the end of the film there will have been illicit liaisons.

The New York Times

It must surely be the world's grandest bespoke venue for illicit liaisons.

The Guardian - Books

Multiple marriages and illicit liaisons provide the links within a large group of well-evoked miscreants.

The New York Times - Books

Her novels feature illicit liaisons and she gives Mary Crawford a sexually loaded naval joke about "Rears and Vices".

The Economist

It's difficult for the average person to say whether the "syndrome," is really any different from what's behind other illicit liaisons.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "illicit liaison", be mindful of the context. It is often used in formal or journalistic writing, so consider your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit" interchangeably with "illegal" in all contexts. "Illicit" carries a stronger connotation of moral wrong, whereas "illegal" simply means against the law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illicit liaison" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a secret, forbidden, or morally questionable romantic relationship, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illicit liaison" is a noun phrase used to describe a forbidden or secret romantic relationship. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "forbidden affair" or "secret romance" exist, "illicit liaison" carries a distinctive connotation of moral impropriety. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants its formal and somewhat dramatic tone, and avoid conflating "illicit" with merely "illegal". This precise and evocative phrase can add depth and intrigue to your writing, provided it's used judiciously. Remember that the goal here is to describe a romantic connection that is also, by definition, secretive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbidden affair

Emphasizes the prohibited nature of the relationship.

secret love affair

Combines elements of secrecy, love, and the affair itself.

secret romance

Highlights the hidden and romantic aspect of the relationship.

clandestine relationship

Focuses on the secrecy and covert nature of the bond.

extramarital affair

Specifies that the relationship occurs outside of marriage.

improper relationship

Highlights the inappropriateness and moral issues.

unlawful intimacy

Emphasizes the illegal or rule-breaking aspect of the relationship.

undercover affair

Focuses on hiding the affair from the public eye.

love secret

Captures the hidden and affectionate nature of the relationship.

private romance

Highlights the personal and concealed characteristic of the romance.

FAQs

How to use "illicit liaison" in a sentence?

You can use "illicit liaison" to describe a secret or forbidden romantic relationship. For example: "Their illicit liaison was the subject of much speculation."

What can I say instead of "illicit liaison"?

You can use alternatives like "forbidden affair", "secret romance", or "clandestine relationship" depending on the specific context.

Is "illicit affair" the same as "illicit liaison"?

While similar, "illicit liaison" suggests a more ongoing and potentially complex relationship than a simple "illicit affair". The former conveys more intricacy and entanglement.

What makes a liaison "illicit"?

A liaison is considered "illicit" when it's secretive, forbidden, or violates social norms or legal agreements such as marriage. It often implies a sense of moral disapproval.